inspection tips
Hi Peter,
I think you are making some sort of inspection list, like for a pre-purchase inspection?
One point that I would definitly take the trouble to look at is the following.
There is a point that gives accces to the inside of the sill at the rear, which does not require anything else besides the rear seat removal.
I know there are some white plastic plugs on the inside of the inner sill, but usually a seller is not really keen of a potential buyer opening these up, as normally they are sealed, and behind a glued-on carpet.
In the attached picture, you can make out 2 large bolt attachment locations; I believe these are for rear seat safety belts. Behind the lowest bolt is an opening, a channel if you like, that runs all the way into the sill.
If you slide an inspection camera in there, either side of the bolt, you'll be able to tell the difference between rusted through (my case) or just looking brown.
One might even easily detect previous repairs, as welds on the inside can't be ground flat.
yes, it needs an inspection camera. But believe me, you'd rather buy that (~200 euro/dollars, then 2 full sets of repair panels for the sills (800-900 euro/dollar either side)
I highlighted the access with a green circle in the pic. It's also present in the right side under the rear seat.
If I ever buy a Coupe again.....
First pic shows you where the opening is located. (drivers side of the car; passenger side is similar)
Second pic shows you from the underside where you're camera will be looking at. (drivers side )
Third pic will show you what I would have known if i had taken the trouble.. (passenger side)
Forth picture shows the car as it was; its not the best picture but its the only one i have of this corner with the outer rockers off. Trust me that it looked quite nice and OK from the outside. No bubbles, no paint cracks. Now look again at picture three....
Erik.